For 2,000 years, Christmas has proclaimed a message of hope: the
patient hope of men and women across centuries who listened to the
words of prophets and lived in joyful expectation; the hope of Mary,
who welcomed God's plan with great faith; and the hope of wise men, who
set out on a long journey guided only by a slender promise traced in
the stars. Christmas reminds us that the grandest purposes of God can
be found in the humblest places. And it gives us hope that all the
love and gifts that come to us in this life are the signs and symbols
of an even greater love and gift that came on a holy night.

The Christmas season fills our hearts with gratitude for the many
blessings in our lives. With those blessings comes a responsibility to
reach out to others. Many of our fellow Americans still suffer from
the effects of illness or poverty. Others fight cruel addictions, cope
with division in their families, or grieve the loss of a loved one.
Christmastime reminds each of us that we have a duty to love our
neighbor just as we would like to be loved ourselves. By volunteering
our time and talents where they are needed most, we help heal the sick,
comfort those who suffer, and bring hope to those who despair.

During the holidays, we also keep in our thoughts and prayers the
men and women of our Armed Forces -- especially those far from home,
separated from family and friends by the call of duty. In Afghanistan,
Iraq, and elsewhere, these courageous Americans are fighting the
enemies of freedom and protecting our country from danger. By bringing
liberty to the oppressed, our troops are defending the freedom and
security of us all. They and their families are making many sacrifices
for our Nation, and all Americans are deeply grateful.